Anthrax is one of the heavy metal icons in the US. They formed in 1981 out of New York city and are thought of as one of the 'Big Four' thrash metal bands. They are along side Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer in that category, and are continuing to be super successful today.

Anthrax has released ten studio albums, tons of singles, and seven EPs. One EP was a collaboration with a hip hop group called Public Enemy. That's a bit random, don't you think? Apparently not everyone thought so, because it actually reached the Top 10 on a New Zealand music chart (Recorded Music NZ) and 14 on the Official Charts Company for UK singles. America apparently didn't love it that much, but did like it somehwat because it reached number 56 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-hop Singles & Tracks. The EP only featured three songs, one of which was live, and came out in July 1991. Still a bit random, if you ask us, but whatever floats your boat.

That was far from the first release from Anthrax though. Their actual first one came out in January 1984, and was called Fistful Of Metal. This album is actually album to feature the original back up vocalist, Neil Turbin, and original bassist, Dan Lilker, who both left the band fairly early on in the band's career. This album honestly didn't get that much success. If our research was correct, it only sold 150,000 copies total. It also happens to feature a cover of Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen."

Anthrax over the years have gone through a lot of members, as most bands with long careers such as their's do. The band's lineup today though, is as follows; Joey Belladonna- lead vocalist, who occassionally will play the drums or turntables. Joey has been in the band since 1984, though he did have a couple gaps between his time with the band. He was there 1984 -1992, and then did not come back until 2005. He then was with Anthrax until 2007, then left once again until 2010. He has stayed with Anthrax ever since.Jonathan Donais- lead guitarist, and backing vocals. He did not join the band until 2013, and has yet to actually be featured on an album. He will be featured on Anthrax's newest album, For All Kings, which will February 26 of this year. Jonathan on occasion will also play the rhythm guitar.

Frank Bello- bassist, who occasionally will sing as well. Frank has been there since 1984, almost consistently. He did leave briefly in 2004, but came back sometime in 2005, so he really wasn't gone long.

Charlie Benante- drums, and has occasionally played guitar, thermin, blues harp, and has also sung from time to time. He joined in 1983, so just before the band's first album, and has never left. Scott Ian- He is the founding member, and has always been the rhythm guitarist, who does backing vocals. He has on occasion also done lead vocals and guitar.

Many other members have come and gone over the years, but this is how the lineup stands today. Over the years, they've had a wide amount of success, including having three albums get certified as gold, and another get certified as silver. It appears as though Anthrax's success did not begin to grown until the release of their 3rd album, Among The Living in 1997. That album reached Top 20 for charts in the UK, broke the Top 50 for Sweden, Germany, and Netherlands, and reached 62 on US charts. Prior to that, they had only had one album reach a chart at all, and that was Spreading The Disease, which reached 113 on US Charts in 1985. This album was certified as Gold by RIAA (Recording Industry Association of American) and Silver by BPI (British Phonographic Industry).

Some of their most successful albums came in the years to come. Their next release, State of Euphoria came in 1988, and managed to get world wide success. It peaked at number 12 in the UK, 17 in Norway, 20 in Swizterland, 21 in Sweden, 15 in Germany, 30 in the US, 57 in the Netherlands, 86 in Australia and 87 in Canada. This album was certified Gold by RIAA, and the MC (Music Canada, and silver by the BPI.

They continuted to climb charts for the next few years. Their 1990 album, Persistence of Time was also certified as Gold by the RIAA, and made it into the top 50 for the US, Australia, UK, Germany, Netherland, Norway and Sweden. They actually made into the Top 20 for the UK and Norway!

Then in 1993, they released Sound of White Noise and broke a personal record on the charts. It reached number 7 on the US charts, number 13 in Canada, and 14 in the UK. This one was also certified Gold by the RIAA and MC. Before that, their highest chart rating was 12.

That record held for 18 years, because while they released three other albums, those albums actually did not do as well. They didn't fail or anything, but the highest any of them reached was 36 and that was in Finland.

Their next success came in 2011, with their currently most recent album, Worship Music. The album came out on September 13, 2011 and peaked at number six on Finnish charts. It also reached number 12 here in the US, 13 in Germany, 24 in Sweden, 28 in Switzerland, 35 in Australia, 49 in the UK, and 64 in the Netherlands.

Some fan favorites from Anthrax were, "Caught In A Mosh", "Madhouse", "Bring The Noise", "Only" and "Revolution Screams." There's plenty more where that came from, of course and still much more to come. In just over a month, Anthrax will be releasing their eleventh studio album, For All The Kings. The official release date is Februrary 26. You can pre order it now through Anthrax's official website. They have several different packages involved, for both the US and Europe. You can get it on a CD, Vinyl or through iTunes, for various different prices.

You can also catch Anthrax on tour now through February 12 all over the US with Lamb Of God, Deafheaven and Power Trip. Then they are going to be touring all over Mexico, and Brazil with a stop in Puerto Rico March first, through April 28. From there, they're going to go straight into playing Fort Rock and Welcome To Rockville. They also will be making appearances at the Rock'n Derby, Hellfest and Graspop. For further information, please visit the respective festival websites.